CEOE ready to help in the search for solutions to the UK’s exit from the EU

The United Kingdom formally notifies the European Council of its decision to leave the European Union

CEOE calls for an orderly exit and a solid and balanced model of EU-UK relations. CEOE expresses its willingness to help in the search for solutions to the UK’s exit from the EU, with the aim of an orderly exit and a solid and balanced model of EU-UK relations.

Following the formal notification of its decision to abandon the European Union, the United Kingdom activated Article 50 of the EU Treaty and marked the start of the two-year count-back period during which the exit terms and the new framework of bilateral relations will have to be negotiated. This deadline may be extended if all remaining 27 Member states agree.

At CEOE, we extend our willingness to maintain a fluent collaboration with the Administration, with the aim of contributing to the search for solutions in a timely manner. The goal is to achieve an orderly exit, as well as a new solid and balanced model of UK-European Union relations.

Bearing in mind that the UK status will differ from the current one, since it will go from being a Member state to a third country outside of the European Union, the main objective must be to reach an agreement that limits, to the furthest extend possible, the negative impact on the relation between Spain and the United Kingdom, not only during the negotiating process, but also from the moment its departure from the European Union becomes effective.

To achieve this, it’s important to ensure that the new model for bilateral relations after the Brexit is aligned with the following principles:

To ensure an appropriate balance between rights and duties.

To preserve the integrity of the European internal market, i.e. the indivisibility of its four freedoms (free movement of goods, capital, services and workers).

To maintain the closest possible economic relations between the EU (including Spain) and the UK.

To provide a sufficiently broad transitional period for the future trade agreement, so that companies may prepare and adapt to the new situation without disruption.

To mitigate the negative effects of the UK departure for both, businesses and citizens.

To provide the necessary legal certainty as soon as possible, through the achievement of feasible solutions within a predictable and reasonable period.

To maintain regular dialogue with business organizations throughout the negotiating process, in order to adequately address key issues such as customs procedures, market access and essential regulatory convergence.

The common interest, of the UK as well as of the European Union and all the Member states that comprise it, must be to reach a pact which, firstly, clearly regulates the terms and deadlines for the exit and, secondly, leads the way to a relationship that benefits both parties in the future, always on the basis of a convergent and balanced regulatory environment based on legal certainty.

There is a lot at stake, and it is essential for Brexit negotiations to take place, at all times, amidst a true spirit of collaboration and mutual loyalty.

Naturally, the Spanish companies and business organizations want to show, once again, our willingness to do everything we can to achieve this. Because the goal to maintain strong economic ties with the United Kingdom is very desirable, but it is, undoubtedly, just as important to make progress in strengthening the European integration process.